What is a septic tank?
A septic tank is a special underground chamber designed to treat wastewater. Septic tanks are used in homes and commercial properties that do not have access to city sewer systems. In this article, we will examine how a septic system works and why it is important to have your tank pumped every 2 years. In Quebec, we are required by provincial law to pump our septic tank at least every 2 years for a primary residence and every 4 years for a secondary residence. This is not a luxury, but a provincial law.
Septic tanks are typically made of concrete, fiberglass, or polyethylene plastic and buried in the ground. Waste flows from the toilets through sewer pipes to the septic tank. The septic tank is a watertight container buried outside your home. It has two lids that can be opened and closed to check for issues.
The septic tank has two underground pipes –one that goes from the house to the septic tank and one that goes from the septic tank to the leach field. Waste moves from the toilets through the sewer pipes to this large underground container where solids settle over time before flowing through another pipe to an area called a drain field or leach field.
How does a septic tank work?
The septic tank is the first stage of wastewater treatment. It contains a biofilter that acts as a biological filter, which means it uses bacteria to break down waste and other materials present in the water. The septic tank also provides an environment for these bacteria to thrive and multiply, ensuring that they can perform their job effectively.
On average, a household produces between 500 and 1,000 gallons of wastewater per day, and sometimes more. It all depends on the number of occupants, the type of activities, and the daily water flow rate.The septic system must be able to handle such volume without backing up into your home or overflowing into the yard, and this is achieved through several processes of filtration, biodegradation, and aeration.
The different types of septic tanks
There are three main types of septic tanks: concrete, fiberglass, and plastic. Concrete is the most durable option and the least likely to leak; however, it can be expensive to install and difficult to move, as it is heavy. Fiberglass tanks are lighter than their concrete counterparts, but they are also more expensive to purchase and install (requiring more equipment). They are not as sturdy as concrete tanks, so if you live in an area with a lot of freezing or freezing temperatures, this may not be your best choice!
Plastic septic tanks are often used for temporary applications such as rental properties or cabins where you might need something that is easy to move and doesn’t deteriorate over time due to use/reuse by different tenants/owners over longer periods of time than normal homeowners would use it.
Why empty your septic tank?
It is important to regularly empty your septic tank to avoid health and environmental problems. If it is full, solid materials can no longer decompose effectively, which can lead to overflowing of the tank, unpleasant odors, reduced system efficiency, and environmental contamination. Emptying your septic tank therefore helps prevent these problems, keeps the system in good working order, and complies with the law on the disposal and treatment of wastewater from isolated residences Q-2, r.22. This law requires you to empty your septic tank every two years. By doing so, you also avoid damage and the risk of overflow.
How much does septic tank pumping cost?
The contents of the septic tank should be pumped every two years or more frequently depending on usage. This is a job that must be done by professionals, as it can be dangerous. At Sanivac, we use a specially designed vacuum truck for septic tank pumping. This allows for the pumping of liquid and solid waste up to 3000 gallons thanks to its two tanks. We offer two types of pumping services: selective pumping and complete pumping. Our team will recommend the most appropriate option depending on the type of system you have.
Our trucks are equipped with filters that allow us to filter the wastewater from the tank during pumping, filter it, and return it to the tank once cleaned, which is called selective pumping. This allows us to distribute the bacterial flora in the tank to ensure its proper functioning and promote the decomposition of solid materials. It also helps to reduce the amount of waste collected for treatment, which is more environmentally friendly and complies with environmental standards.
The cost of a septic tank pumping depends on the capacity of your tank, the type of pumping required, and the season, but pumping fees usually range between $300 and $400 for a residential tank of 1000 gallons or less. The price of septic tank pumping will be more expensive for tanks larger than 1000 gallons and for emergency pumping services. At Sanivac, our maintenance includes septic tank pumping, filter cleaning, a detailed report, and a visual inspection of your septic tank during each pumping service. Inquire about our septic tank pumping services!
We hope this article has helped you understand how a septic tank works. We know it can be a lot of information, but we’re here to help! If you have any questions or concerns about your septic tank, contact our team of experts now!
